Love in the Key of R
I listen to the hum of the airconditioning as I sweep my eyes across the huge room. I turn my eyes to the center, to the lights caressing the empty stage. It is 3:00 p.m. and it is the calm before the storm. I can hear a distant noise outside, slow and steady, punctuated by laughter and loud chatter. They are coming. The lights go out as the stage manager calls out: sound check is over.
The lights are on again, this time, on full blast, as if egged on by the screams of the crowd. A clamor. Music starts to float, and again, a roar, strong and sure. One by one, the artists come out, each swaying to their inner tune, some great, some not so, all, somehow, adored. A deafening clap at the end, as if the crowd could not get enough.
I thought I had forgotten this part of my life when I left show business for law school.
But I guess, an experience like that could never be forgotten, and somehow the mind, or the heart, looks for a similar uplifting.
And so we are producing a show with some of our like-minded friends.
Like all our other business endeavors (we believe in calculated risks and getting ourselves out there – theory is good but it is experience that packs a punch), there were many lessons learned in this one. But I will write about that later.
For now, I would like to invite you to it, to “Love in the Key of R”.
It is a post-Valentine show featuring Big-Band Crooner Richard Poon, Bossa Nova Queen Sitti and Pinoy Dreamer Bugoy Drilon. It will be on February 20, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. at the Zirkoh Bar in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Tickets are available at TicketNet and are priced at P750 and P500. You can also call 02-2157651 or email me for ticket inquiries.
A reader of YouWantToBeRich will win two tickets (special seats) to this event. Just leave a comment about your most memorable Valentine’s day (happy, sad, cute, bad, weird is also okay). The most interesting entry will win. My daughter will choose the winner.
Let me start: mine will be a Valentine dinner at Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe in California, circa 2003. I wanted to know what the buzz was about so I dragged my husband, all my brothers and their significant others (our group had a baby in tow!) to this remote ranch which was voted as one of the best restaurants that year. It was memorable not so much because of the food (we started with lobster salad and ended up with wine, I think) but because of the price tag – we paid USD$150 per couple. Honestly, the food and the place was overrated but it was the company – great company – that saved the night. We were laughing so hard – because we were so drunk. I guess it is the one really close to your heart, the one who holds your hand under the table and lets you lean your head on his shoulder, that can light up and make a Valentine night meaningful.
I will announce the winner on February 14.
And may l’amour excite our hearts this season.
In love,
Issa
Article by Issa. Poster by LHG Studios. Copyright 2010.
Blog: YouWantToBeRich.com
Email: issa@youwanttoberich.com
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mine is when i went to Lavapalooza(or love-apalooza) alone because my boyfriend(now my husband) was not into that kind of stuff,but since im looking for something new at that time i went at baywalk w/o his permission,when the concert started i was like..alone..the people surrounding me had their partners swaying and hugging..so i called him and he got mad (of course),he went out to get me,since the whole street was packed he had to walk and then when i saw his face all flushed and sweaty..that’s when i remembered that he is some kind of claustrophobic..he despise crowded places,right then even when he was shouting and looking grumpy i felt so loved by him,i just grabbed his hands and pushed over some of the people to make way,until there’s a space that’s not as crowded,then i just hugged him and the rest followed its sooo cheesy na haha..most memorable..super kasi it was our first date
my most memorable Valentine’s was spent on a night shift where i work. my colleague and i laughed about it first because we’ll be spending it with patients and not in the arms of the one we love 🙂 but surprise surprise! dear one visited during my break with coffee and donuts for eveone at the atation. a full stomach, an alert mind and loved company all spelled perfect!
My most memorable valentines day is with my first boyfriend.. On that day surprisingly, we both wear black and with the same brand with the same tagline of you are the one in red big fonts!!
A very memorable Valentine’s Day for me was not the typical romantic story. My mo who raised us (7 children) never experienced how it’s like to celebrtae Valentine’s Day because my father was not th ekind of guy who do things for his wife.. so even at a young age I already knew how to express my love and affection..I got my small savings and bought flowers & card for my mom.. It’s not that grand but the thought that I made her happy and make her feel appreciated is the most important thing. She died 2007 and I saw the card I gave her included on the important documents she kept.
My most memorable v-day would be when my gf and I roamed the city to give out sandwiches and juice to the less fortunate people.
I remember when we were just newly married, had a newborn baby and no yaya, I knew that time I shouldn’t expect anymore that we’re going to have valentine celebration. But because we couldn’t let that occasion pass as ordinary day, we came up of a way to make it somehow romantic still. My husband brought home a bottle of wine and choc truffles, then after having home-cooked dinner with Kare-kare as our viand (hey, it’s not usual viand right? – so for us, its considered “ulam” on occasions), I immediately tucked our baby to bed, went to our condo unit’s small pantry to toast the wine, share a cig, and munch on the truffles while having good conversations, really one perfect night! Kulang na lang candle light and string quartet =)
To everyone, these are all so sweet. I think my daughter will have a hard time judging. Thanks! 🙂
Pingback: Melissa Briones
Pingback: Melissa Briones
My significant other does not believe in Valentine’s Day. He does say it is a “capitalist holiday” because of all the marketing gimmicks and overpriced stuff sold for that holiday. But last 2008, a few days before Valentine’s, the employer finally gave the confirmation that he was to leave for the desert sands of Dubai for much greener pastures. So knowing he was leaving in a few weeks, we decided to have a despedida dinner on Valentine’s Day at Crowne Plaza Manila. It was officially our first Valentine’s Day celebration, which was not even done in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. And so with Tuxedo Strawberries and a glass of champagne and plates upon plates of food, we celebrated the greener pastures of the desert and us…to survive the physical distance between us.
my first valentine’s day after my husband passed away could have easily been the worst valentine’s day of my life. i didn’t even want to get up that morning. but my little girl woke me up with tight hugs and sweet kisses. so we did something spontaeous. we quickly prepared a picnic basket and had our valentine’s date brunch at a nearby park.
I cannot imagine I will meet the love of my life on my first valentine’s date. I was 18 years old then and I was so envy that all my friends will have a date on Feb14. I was then left alone so what I did was to desperately ask my co-crew at Jollibee to be my date at Valentine’s date. It so happen that eversince, he had a crush on me and never had a grudge to tell it. We have an intimate date and before we knew it, kami na pala…Even it was a fast courtship, we have no regrets at all..I am proud to say that I married not only a good looking guy but a responsible and truly a gentleman. My husband is my first and last ex-boyfriend. We are on our 23rd anniversary as sweethearts this coming Valentine’s day and definitely will celebrate it. Valentine’s day is the greatest love story milestone of our life and God really destined us to be with each other forever….
This is going to sound really sad, but my most memorable Valentine’s day was the one I spent alone. I was still in college back then and living at the dorms. My now husband was already working back then and very far from where I was staying. I got back to our room and no one was there. I found out that all my roommates had dates planned so I was stuck there alone not knowing if my boyfriend would make it or not. I was determined not to feel sorry for myself so I had a pizza delivered and pigged out while watching a DVD of One More Chance starring John Lloyd and Bea! I laughed and cried while watching the movie all over again and shortly after it ended, it was just after 8 pm and my boyfriend arrived with chocolates and flowers so we got a little time to ourselves before the 9pm curfew.
I got the yellow tulips I wished for post-Valentines Day. Since it was the day after the big V, mine weren’t long-stemmed anymore. They were probably the poor unpicked flowers of the batch! Still, my suitor (and soon-to-be boyfriend)self-consciously rode the bus with those flowers.
After ten years, we are now husband and wife with an 8-month old baby, but the surprises never seem to stop. I’m actually looking forward to this Valentine weekend because he planned a Sonya’s Garden lunch for us.
My most memorable experience of Valentine’s Day was not really a happy one.
When in my early 20’s, my dad was really not too keen on me having a boyfriend. That Valentine’s day, my boyfriend then (who was starting to become a “magician”- now you see me, now you don’t)had a business trip in Singapore.
For the lack of any kind of effort, he made his secretary send me a heart shaped cheesecake from Bizu. To: (my name) Fr: (his name), no message whatsoever.
What touched me the most was what my dad said. He’s not really the expressive type but I found it cute that he told me, “Alam mo anak, kung may girlfriend akong kagaya mo, I won’t be spending it away from you.”
After a couple of months my magician boyfriend and I broke up. Now I’m married with someone way better than the cheesecake-for-Valentine’s-gift-sent-through-the-secretary guy. It’s funny how you see everything in rose colored glasses when you’re in love.
@Shobe I can just imagine what you made him go through – haha – and I am so glad for you that it paid off and the ending was a kiss (or kisses, I would think). Love, really, is sweet. Like yours, mine is the macho-type who hates crowded places and would flinch at the first sign of sweetness. But somehow, when it matters most, they are the ones who deliver. Amazing.
@Hid Burn Awww…. that is so cute. It is the simplest expression – thoughtfulness (with food!) but it packs a punch. Not to mention that I am sure he managed to impress all your colleagues too. 🙂
@Krystle Hahaha… I have got to try that (the big challenge is getting “The One” to wear an identical shirt… hmmm) 🙂
@Bachuchay Wow! That has got to be the sweetest. Your mom is so lucky to have had you. I am sure she is so proud up there 🙂
@Allan I think this is the greatest expression of love – sharing it with the people who should matter. I should try it sometime – thanks for showing me the way. Kudos too, to your girlfriend. I am certain that she is one great girl. 🙂
@Sam I agree! It sounded perfect. And when you did not even expect anything (your hubby should teach my husband a thing or two) 🙂
@Didi Nothing like an impending separation to give way to a wonderful celebration. I am glad that Dodong was able to show you just how much you mean to him.. and that he continues to show you, even across the miles…
@Ilaybalilay That is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Don’t you love little girls? I think they are our salvation. I am sure your husband was there too and that he continues to be with you and your little girl every step of the way. 🙂
@Jinkee Ohhhh! A true Valentine’s day story! Let me tell you – I do not think twice about fast courtship too. Either you have the chemistry or you don’t. I am glad that you guys do. Happy anniversary on the ‘V” day 🙂
@Gel I’m sure it felt really sad at that time – no lover should be left alone on Valentine’s day. But I am glad your boyfriend pulled through even at the last minute. And I am sure he is making up for it in very many little ways 🙂
@Abby Hmm… I think you had a very practical boyfriend (now husband)… and practical goes a long way. Better him that those pomp and glory guys who promise you the world when they are wooing you but fall flat on their face. I love Sonya’s Garden. Hubby and I had our wedding reception there. Make sure you take lots of photos and memories. 🙂
@Candice Ahhhh… this reminds me of my dad who told me too in reference to a palikero boyfriend: “Wag kang kukuha ng batong ipupukpok mo sa ulo mo.” And your dad is right too – heaven and earth should be moved just so you could be together. And through a secretary? I am glad you saw through him right away and that no permanent damage was done.
Thanks Issa for the greetings and thanks also for this contest! It lets you reminisce the past and just laugh on it. Katuwa!!! Come to think of it, what in the world that I have the move to do it during “V day” considering parang ako pa nanligaw s ex-boyfriend ko!!!
Anyway, good luck on your future endeavor and GODBLESS…
Jinkee
.-= Jinkee Umali´s last blog ..Talented Folks of Calamba =-.
Thank you all for your Valentine memories. As I was telling my daughter about what she was supposed to do (which is to choose the winner), she said, “But mommy, it’s about Valentines day and I am nine years old!!!!” Uhm, I must admit she has got a point. So since all of you have unique and beautiful stories, we did the next best fair thing, which is to do it by raffle.
The winner is Abby with her yellow tulip story. Abby, I will email you privately in the next few days as to how you can get the free tickets.
Thanks again for joining everyone and happy Valentine’s Day. May love and prosperity touch our hearts. 🙂
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Some Words on Humility and Stillness =-.
This Valentine’s day is my most memorable V-day of all. What made this day special is a boquet of flowers from my boyfriend. Yeah, I know that’s normal. But, what’s special is that I’m the first girl whom he (in his 26 years of life)gave flowers. He doesn’t believe in giving flowers since he can’t find it practical. My bf was not the typical boy next door nor the perfect knight in shining armor. I find him insensitive, not sweet at all and weird in all aspect. Nevertheless, I still love him for who he is. He’s the type who really stands on what he believes in. And giving flowers is an example. So I just accepted his belief until…
8:00 pm (Feb 13) – We went to TJ Grill (Makati) to have some bottles of beer. We’re not celebrating Valentine’s day, since he’s not that type who believes in celebrations. THis is just our normal hang-out/bonding moments (also, not to mention the venue)
1:00 am (Feb 14) – We paid our bill and started to walk towards home when he noticed a a group of boys in a flower shop arranging boquets of flower. THen he told me to stay @ the restaurant for a while and wait for him. I was reallly surprise because I had an idea then what he would do.
So after 20 minutes, he fetched me on the resto @ gave me the boquet… That was really surprising and really sweet. The flowers also has a note on it which I read when we arrived at my pad. The note contains the words “I Love You.” That was simple for some, but for me, it really means a lot. We’re together for a year and 3 months now, but I can count with my fingers the times he told me he loves me. He believes that he should only say that when he really means it and for special occassions.
Few months ago, I felt that he’s no longer interested with me since he never showed any attention at all. Now I know how he really loves me and that I have to accept his personality. Now, I am the proudest girlfriend that wants to tell the world how great and sweet my boyfriend is.
Telling me that this is his best relationship (despite the fact that he had a daughter w/ his ex and he had numerous GFs that I know) was really the best. I could really feel his sincerity since he was teary-eyed when he’s giving his piece. He told me that he’s happy that we are always fighting and he really find that cute. He believes our fights strengthens our relationship. Ooooowwwwww… I’m so in love right now… Seeing your partner giving his tears for you while telling you that he loves you is one of the best gifts that you could receive.
@Issa – Wow! I won! Thanks a lot Issa!
What better way to cap off a day than to win 2 tickets for me and my hubby! I guess those were my lucky yellow tulips after all. Sonya’s Garden was part of my Bucket List and my hubby made sure I can now tick it off. It was a Valentine date for three – me, my hubby, and our baby.
I can just imagine how beautiful your wedding reception was, not to mention organic and nutritious, if it was done in Sonya’s Garden.
@Katie The ones who are not so showy, the ones you have to gut in order for them who show emotions – when they show it, man oh man, the stars explode. Do not get me wrong – sometimes it is frustrating and painful even but – I don’t know – I think girls like the chase too. Maybe this one is a keeper. 🙂
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Writing Your Will and Making an Inventory =-.
There’s no location such as the Philippines! Noynoy for president : )